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Who star to give first Peel lecture

Pete Townshend will discuss the future of the music industry when he gives the first John Peel lecture in honour of the legendary DJ.

The Who guitarist said he was "honoured" to be asked to give the lecture dedicated to the memory of Peel, who spent more than 30 years on Radio 1.

He said: "Through John's shows I first heard artists like The Jesus And Mary Chain, The Undertones, The Proclaimers before they had record contracts.

"John didn't just listen to music, he played it on air and let his audience decide. He was a listener first, and an activist second, and I am happy to have a chance to honour him and examine how his legacy might extend into the future."

The lecture, which will look at the impact of free downloads and whether the kind of music Peel championed can survive in the internet age, will be broadcast live on BBC 6 Music.

Peel's son Tom Ravenscroft said: "We have in the past few years had trains, housing estates and a restaurant named after Dad and so I think he'd have been both bemused and delighted to see he now has a lecture and that Pete Townshend will be delivering the first of them.

"I'm really happy that 6 Music are honouring him in this way and that the people who kindly agree to participate will help ensure that his legacy will continue into the future."

The lecture will be given at the Radio Academy Radio Festival on October 31 in the Lowry Theatre, Salford.

Peel, who died in 2004, was one of the first DJs on the newly launched Radio 1 in 1967 and was known for his commitment to promoting original music.